Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-07-07
The President and The G. A. II.
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, July 4 1856.

EXECUTIVE NlANSlON,
WASHINGTON, July 4, 1856.
Hon. Dauid r. Francis, Mayor and Chairman:
My DEAR SIR-When received the ex.
cordial and gratifying invitation
from the citizens of st. Louis, rendered by
number of her representative men, TO visit
that city during the National Encampmant
ofthe Grand Army of the Republic, [ had
been contemplating for some time the ac-
ceptance of an invitation from that organi-
zation to the same effect, and had consider
ed the pleasure it would afford me, if it
should be possible, to meet not only the
members of the Grand Army Of the Repub-
lie. but the people of st. Louis and other
cities in the West, which the occasion
would give me an opportunity to visit:
The exactions of my public duties 1 felt
to he so uncertain, however, that when first
confronted by the delegation of which you
were the head, I expected to do no more
at that time than to promise the consldera-
ton of the double invitation rendered me,
and express the pleasure it would give me
to accept the same thereafter, If possible.
But the cordiality and sincerity of your
presentation, reinforced by the heartiness OF
the good people who surrounded you, go
impressed me that l could not resist the
feeling which prompted me to assure you on
the spot that would be with you and the
Grand Army of the Republic at the time
designated, if nothing happened in the
meantime to absolutely prevent my leaving
Washington.
Immediately upon the public announce
ment of this conclusion expressions emana-
ting from certain important members OF the
Grand Army of the Republic and increasing
in volume and virulence, constrained me to
review my acceptance of these invitations.
The expressions referred to 60 to the ex'
tent of declaring that / would be an unwel-
come guest at the time and place of the Ma
tional Eocampment. This statement is
based, as well as can judge, upon certain
official acts of mine, involving important
public interests, done under the restraints
and obligations of my oath of office, which
do not appear to accord with the wishes oil
some members of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
refuse TO believe that this organization,
founded upon patriotic ideas, composed very
largely of men entitled to lasting honor and
consideration and whose browning glory it
should be that they are American citizens as
we'll as veteran soldiers, deems it part oil
its mission to compass any object or purpose
by attempting to intmidate the Executive
or coerce those charged with making and
executing the laws. And yet the expires.
sions to which have referred indicate such
prevalence of unfriendIy feeling and such
menace to an occasion which should be
harmonious, peaceful and cordial, that they
cannot be ignored.
beg YOU to understand that l am not
conscious of any act of mine which should
make ne fear to meet the Grand Army OF
the Republic or any other assemblage of my
fellow citizens. The account of my official
stewardship is always ready for presentation
to my countrymen.
should not be frank if failed 10 confess,
while discaiming all resentment, that |
have been hurt by the unworthy and wanton
attacks upon me growing out OF this matter,
and the reckless manner in which my &C.
tons and motives have been misrepresentcd,
both publicly and privately, for which, how
ever, the Grand Army of tho Republic, as a
body is by no means responsible.
The threats of personal violence and harm
in case | undertake the trip in question
which scores of misguided, unbalanced men
under the stimulation OF excited feeling have
made are not even considered.
Rather than abandon my visit to the West
and disappoint your citizens, l might, if [
alone were concerned, submit to the insult
to which, it is quite openly asserted, would
be helpessly subjected if present at the en-
campment. But l should bear with me
there the peoples highest office, the dignity
of which 1 must protect, and believe that
neither the Grand Army of the Republic as
an organization, nor anything like MAORI
ty of its members, would ever encourage
any scandalous attack upon it.
If, however, among the membership OF
this body there are some, as certainly seems
to be the case, determined to denounce me
and my official acts at the National En-
campment, I believe they should be per-
mitted to do 80 unrestrained by my presence
as guest of their organization or as guest
of the hospitable city in which their meet
ing is held.
A number of Grand Army posts have sig
nified their intention, / am informed, to re-.
main away from the encampment in case
visit the city at that time. Without con
sidering the merit of such an excuse, | feel
that ought not to be the cause of such non
attendance. The time and place Of the en-
campment were fixed long before my invi
tations were received. Those desiring to
participate in its proceedings should be first
regarded and nothing should DO permitted
to interfere with their intentions.
Another consideration, of moro import
ance than all others, remains to BIO noticed.
The fact was referred TO by you when you
verbally presented the invitation of the citi-
zens of ST. Louis that the coming encamp-
ment OF the Grand Army of the Republic
would be the first held in Southern State
I suppose this fact was mentioned as u
pleasing indication Of the fraternal feeling
so fast gaining ground throughout the en-
tire land and hailed by every patriotic citi-
zen as an earnest that the Union has really
and in fact been saved in sentiment and
spirit with all the benefits it vouchsafes to a
united people.
1 cannot rid myself of The belief that the
least discord on this propitious occasion
might retard the progress of the sentiment